Bass, Blue Nose

Bluenose Bass is a large fish, growing to over 50 kg, found in temperate waters of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America. They are particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure because they are long lived, mature late, and exhibit schooling and spawning aggregation behaviors making them easier to catch.

Bluenose Bass sold in the U.S. primarily comes from New Zealand, but a small commercial Bluenose Bass fishery also occurs in Australia. Both fisheries are managed through total allowable catch limits. In New Zealand, abundance of Bluenose Bass has declined to low levels over the last decade, likely as a result of unsustainable catch rates, and there is a relatively high probability that the population is overfished. In Australia, abundance levels of Bluenose Bass populations appear to be more stable.

The majority of Bluenose Bass are caught with bottom longlines or other hook-and-line gear, which may cause moderate habitat damage and result in medium levels of bycatch.